In the wake of terror attacks in Sri Lanka which killed 253 people and wounded hundreds, the Kochi police have heightened security measures in the city. As part of this, a one-day training was given to security staff of hotels and shopping malls in the city by the police.
The training was conducted on Monday at the Kochi city traffic west police station. Bomb detection squad gave training to security staff on the use and working of modern safety equipment.
City Police Commissioner S Surendran had given directions to conduct this kind of a security training in the city in the wake of multiple blasts in Sri Lanka.
Meanwhile, security was also increased in tourist places like Fort Kochi in the city. According to a release by Fort Kochi police, an alert has been sounded for homestays and hotels functioning in Fort Kochi based on intelligence reports that attacks could happen in India as well.
Fort Kochi is an important tourist spot in the country with remains of many colonial structures. The place is also rich in varied culture and traditions of different communities. It is one of the places in Ernakulam district with heavy inflow of foreign tourists.
The Fort Kochi police have asked homestays and hotels to provide a daily account of the details of tourists living there. Police have also said that raids will be conducted in those places which fail to email the details before 9 am every day.
Meanwhile, Fort Kochi police SHO told TNM that there was no panic situation. “There is no panic, we routinely collect these details. But, in the wake of Sri Lanka blasts, we are just taking extra precautions,” he said.
Sri Lanka was hit by multiple blasts on Easter Sunday for which the Islamic State has claimed responsibility.